First time in Copenhagen: Everything you need to know

Bicycle-filled streets, world-class dining, a relaxed café culture, and abundant green spaces make Copenhagen one of Europe’s most livable locations — and one of the most enjoyable to visit. If it’s your first time in Copenhagen, experiencing both the historic sites, like Christiansborg Palace, and the city’s contemporary side, like the trendy Meatpacking District, is a must.

From walking along the picturesque Nyhavn waterfront to enjoying craft beer in Vesterbro, this first-timer’s guide covers all the things to know about Copenhagen to help you make the most of your trip.

Copenhagen: Tips for first-timers

1. Many museums are closed on Mondays, so plan accordingly
2. Most shops don’t open until 10:00 AM, and close by 6:00 PM on weekdays (and by 4.00 PM on weekends)
3. Bring a reusable water bottle; free public water fountains are available throughout the city
4. Uber doesn’t operate in Copenhagen and taxis are notoriously expensive, but you can use the apps Taxi 4x35 and Viggo to book rides
5. Copenhagen is a famously foodie city, so it’s worth booking tables at popular restaurants well in advance

Best time to visit

The best time to visit Copenhagen depends on how you like to spend your vacation. Summer brings outdoor dining and refreshing dips in harbor baths (open-air swimming areas along the waterfront), while winter showcases the city’s hygge culture with Christmas markets and candlelit cafés.

Spring

Copenhagen’s temperatures range from 40-60 F (4-15 C) from March through May. Spring in Copenhagen means flowers coming into bloom, Tivoli Gardens amusement park reopening after winter, and increasingly longer days — it’s an excellent time for first-time visitors to explore the city’s outdoor spots.

Summer

June through August is high season, with temperatures between 60-75 F (15-24 C). Copenhageners take advantage of up to 17 hours of daylight with harbor swimming and outdoor drinking and dining. Summer in Copenhagen brings a wealth of events, from Sankthansaften (midsummer celebrations) in June to the Copenhagen Jazz Festival in August.

Fall

Copenhagen’s fall is September through November, bringing cooler temperatures of 40-60 F (4-15 C) and golden autumn leaves. This season brings fewer tourists and slightly lower prices, although the weather can vary widely, from summery blue skies to dark, rainy days. Fall is perfect for exploring popular attractions and museums without the crowds.

Winter

December through February is winter in Copenhagen. Temperatures range from 30-40 F (−1-4 C), and there are only 7-8 hours of daylight, making this season the best time to cozy up and embrace authentic Danish hygge. Festive Christmas markets, ice skating rinks, and twinkling lights create a magical atmosphere in December.

Copenhagen’s top 5 must-visit attractions

1. Nyhavn

Nyhavn is a historic waterfront district that dates back to the 17th century. Once a busy commercial port, the harbor is now lined with restaurants and bars. The area is famous for its historic wooden ships and tall colorful townhouses — don’t miss house number 20, where the Danish author Hans Christian Andersen wrote some of his most popular fairy tales.

2. Tivoli Gardens

One of the best things to do in Copenhagen for first-timers is to visit Tivoli Gardens, one of the world’s oldest amusement parks. Besides rides, you’ll find beautiful gardens, live performances (everything from mime to music), and numerous restaurants. The park changes completely with the seasons, with special Halloween and Christmas decorations, plus summer festivities.

3. The Little Mermaid

While small and sometimes crowded, this bronze statue inspired by Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy tale remains a must-do in Copenhagen. Created by sculptor Edvard Eriksen, The Little Mermaid sits on a rock by the Langelinie promenade, gazing toward the shore.

4. Christiansborg Palace

Home to the Danish Parliament, Supreme Court, and Prime Minister’s Office, Christiansborg Palace also houses the Royal Reception Rooms and Royal Stables. The Tower — the highest in Copenhagen — offers free panoramic views over the city.

5. Rosenborg Castle

Rosenborg Castle holds some of Denmark’s greatest treasures: the Danish Crown Jewels and Royal Regalia. It’s surrounded by The King’s Garden (Kongens Have), one of the city’s oldest and most beautiful gardens, a popular place to relax on sunny days.

Best 3 neighborhoods to explore in Copenhagen

Vesterbro

Once the red-light district, Vesterbro is one of Copenhagen’s top neighborhoods. Istedgade and Værnedamsvej are notable streets packed with independent boutiques, craft beer bars, and trendy restaurants. Head to the Meatpacking District (Kødbyen) for some of Copenhagen’s best food in converted industrial spaces.

Nørrebro

Nørrebro is Copenhagen’s most diverse neighborhood and showcases the city’s multicultural side. Jægersborggade street is worth visiting for its international stores and cafés, while Superkilen is a creative urban park designed to celebrate communities from all over the world and bring people together.

Christianshavn

Built as a merchant town on a man-made island, Christianshavn has Amsterdam-like canals with colorful houses and historic warehouses. Climb the spiral tower of the Church of Our Saviour for epic city views and wander through Freetown Christiania, the famous self-proclaimed autonomous neighborhood established in 1971.

What to eat in Copenhagen

Danish cuisine has changed dramatically in recent decades, from traditional hearty food to the New Nordic movement focusing on local, seasonal ingredients. Copenhagen’s food scene now ranges from traditional cafés to Michelin-starred restaurants.

Main dishes to try

1. Smørrebrød

Smørrebrød is a must-try food in Copenhagen. These open-faced sandwiches feature rye bread topped with carefully arranged combinations of meats, fish, or vegetables. Classic versions include pickled herring with onions, roast beef with remoulade, or egg and shrimp with mayonnaise.

2. Frikadeller

These Danish meatballs are a staple comfort food. They’re usually made with pork, veal, or beef and served with potatoes, gravy, and pickled vegetables.

3. Stegt flæsk med persillesovs

Denmark’s national dish consists of crispy fried pork belly served with boiled potatoes and parsley sauce. This hearty meal represents traditional Danish cooking at its most authentic.

4. Hot dogs

Danish hot dogs from pølsevogn (sausage wagons) are a street food institution. Try the classic rød pølse (red sausage) or ristet hotdog (grilled hot dog), lathered with remoulade, crispy onions, pickles, and mustard.

5. Danish pastries

Copenhagen’s cafés serve some of the freshest Danish pastries. The kanelsnegl (cinnamon bun) and spandauer (buttery pastry filled with marzipan or jam) are some of the most authentic — they taste especially good with morning coffee.

Getting to Copenhagen

Flying into Copenhagen Airport

Copenhagen Airport (Kastrup) is Scandinavia’s largest airport and is well connected to the city center. The Metro runs directly from the terminal to downtown in 13 minutes, while trains to Copenhagen Central Station take about 15 minutes. There’s also a well-served taxi rank, but taxis into the city are expensive (250-350 DKK / $38-$53).

Traveling to Copenhagen Central Station

Copenhagen Central Station (København H) receives trains from throughout Denmark and international destinations. Located at the edge of the city center, you can walk from here to Tivoli Gardens and many hotels in Vesterbro. The station links with the Metro, S-trains, and buses, and has plenty of bicycle parking.

Getting around Copenhagen

Exploring Copenhagen on foot

For your first time in Copenhagen, exploring on foot is an excellent way to get acquainted with the city. The center is compact and pedestrian-friendly, and most major attractions are within a 30-minute walk of each other.

Public transportation in Copenhagen

Copenhagen has a reliable, efficient public transportation system, which includes the Metro (that runs 24/7), S-trains, buses, and harbor boats. Buying a Copenhagen Travel Card is the most cost-effective way to get around. For an authentic local experience, rent a bike and enjoy Copenhagen’s famous cycling culture. The city has over 350 km of dedicated bike lanes, and many hotels and shops rent bicycles.

What to avoid in Copenhagen

1. Don’t take photos of people in Christiania without permission — cameras make residents uncomfortable in certain areas
2. Avoid walking in bike lanes, Copenhageners take cycling seriously
3. Avoid eating at the tourist-trap restaurants along Nyhavn waterfront; walk one block inland for better food at better prices
4. Don’t automatically start a conversation in English. While most Danes speak excellent English, a simple “Taler du engelsk?” (Do you speak English?) shows respect
5. Avoid visiting major attractions between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM when they’re at their most crowded, especially The Little Mermaid